US military commander for Middle East resigns

DPA Washington, March 12 (DPA) The US military commander overseeing operations in the Middle East, Admiral William Fallon, is resigning, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates announced Tuesday. Fallon appeared to be in disagreement with the White House by making comments in a recent Esquire magazine article ruling out the possible use of force against Iran.

“I believe it was the right thing to do even though I do not believe there are significant differences in his views and those of the administration,” Gates said.

US President George W. Bush has said that all options remain on the table for dealing with Iran’s refusal to halt uranium enrichment and come clean over its nuclear activities.

Since March 2007, Fallon has headed Central Command, which oversees US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also plans to retire from the military. DPA